In 1971 singer song writer and former Beatle John Lennon wrote these words in his song “Imagine”—“You may say that I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us and the world will be as one.” Chapter 19 of Leviticus begins with the Lord’s call to all the people of Israel to be holy. Why? Because God is holy and they were God’s children and belonged to God. The Lord called the people of Israel to a life of generosity, reflecting upon the time in which they wandered in the wilderness after their escape from Egypt, hungry and not knowing what the future might hold. God called them to think beyond themselves, remembering and being grateful for the abundance of food and goods that was God’s blessing upon them, that they might in turn be generous and care for neighbors less fortunate. Remembering also that God called them to treat one another with honor and dignity, fairly, honestly, and honorably. WE could find great joy in being a more centered people, not frantically combing the edges of potential resources for something we have missed, but rather grateful to God for all that we do have. Such a life inevitably leads to an overflowing love for our neighbor and leads to our ability to walk more closely in the footsteps of Jesus. Join us this Sunday as Pastor Fred Mast shares part two of a sermon entitled “The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree” about remembering Jesus’ “Great Commandment” and the struggles and challenges faced by the Israelite people in search of and hoping to find the land and life God promised to them. Really, not that much has changed in over two thousand years as our modern day society and people continue to be in search of a life and a world in which there is true happiness, harmony and unity for all of God’s creation. To paraphrase John Lennon, you may say that I’m a dreamer, but thanks be to God, I’m not the only one!
Do you have great jokes, love to sing & dance, or have some other unique talent you would like to share? Or do you just love to have fun watching others share their gifts and talents? Then “Hot August Nights” is for you on Friday August 19th at 6:30 PM in our Fellowship Hall. Join us for a night of lots of great entertainment, fresh peach cobbler, make your own ice cream sundaes, and much more. This is a free event for the entire community with donations offered to benefit the “Verde Valley Sanctuary.” Call our church office at (928)282-1780 for more information. Sunday mornings we enter the spirit of worship at 9:30 am featuring meaningful times of prayer, joyous music, and life messages that will help move you closer in your relationship with Christ. Our worship is upbeat and lively, we laugh, we cry, and most of all we welcome all as family. And stay for our fellowship time immediately following worship featuring the best coffee, baked treats, and fellowship anywhere. Plan to make a morning of it because once you’re here you won’t want to leave—guaranteed! Like us on Facebook and visit our website at www.sedonaumc.org. Are you in need of prayer or know someone who is? Prayer requests are welcomed at sumcprayers@gmail.com. We are located at 110 Indian Cliffs Road at the Back O’ Beyond roundabout on Route 179 in Sedona.
